I-696 Project Work will Continue as Winter is Approaching

DETROIT, MI – As the winter months are fast approaching, much work still needs to be accomplished on the I-696 Restore the Reuther Project that spans from Macomb County into Oakland County.

Work can and will continue even with the arrival of snow. Here’s how:

In Macomb County for now and the foreseeable future, temperatures will still allow concrete to safely be placed within our standard specifications.

Concrete temperatures are closely monitored and remain well above freezing during the curing process.

Protective measures are being taken to guard against freezing: boilers are in place at our concrete plants, ground heaters are on site, and ground cover blankets are in use.

It is a significant increase in effort to work in these conditions though both MDOT and the Contractor are committed to doing everything within our control to get both EB and WB I-696 and all ramps open this year.

As for progress, two lanes of new pavement now span the full limits between Dequindre Rd and I-94 and two more lanes that began at Dequindre Rd are east of Mound Rd now. Eight of eleven ramps now have new pavement as well. Shoulders and curb and gutters continue to follow on the heels of the new concrete pavement that is placed.

Work in Oakland County is very near completion. The only work remaining is being completed over night under lane closures with only a handful of nights (pending weather) remaining. All told we will have improved the riding surface on over 130 lane miles of I-696 throughout Oakland County.